Chatham Town Gears Up for Historic FA Cup Match of a Lifetime
Chatham Town is experiencing a historic moment as they prepare for their FA Cup debut in the first round proper for the first time in 97 years. The club’s upcoming match against Buxton Town from Derbyshire is highly anticipated, with all 500 tickets sold out.
Anticipation Builds for FA Cup Match
On Saturday, Chatham Town will face Buxton Town in a match that many fans are calling a “once in a lifetime” experience. Chatham supporter Paul Rogers expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s incredibly exciting. It’s Chatham Town making a new bit of history.” The club reached this significant stage after an impressive run, winning four qualifying matches.
Path to the First Round
Chatham Town’s journey to the FA Cup first round included the following results:
- Defeated Marlow 4–0 (home)
- Defeated Ashford United 3–0 (away)
- Defeated Deal Town 3–1 (home)
- Defeated Tonbridge Angels 3–1 (away)
Community Spirit and Personal Triumphs
The excitement surrounding the match has united the town. Rogers, who has struggled with agoraphobia, found solace in attending games. He described how watching the team became a lifeline for him, stating, “It became a way for me to cope.” His passion for the club even led him to help create a song celebrating their historic run. The song features the voice of an 87-year-old lifelong fan who cannot attend away games, with a cardboard cut-out to represent him at the event.
A Proud Moment for Chatham Town
Kevin Hake, the club’s chairman and manager, emphasized the broader significance of the match. He remarked, “It’s huge for the club, the town, the fans, and everyone involved.” He added that the FA Cup not only brings excitement but also fosters community connection. Hake noted the visible support throughout Chatham, with red shirts worn proudly as an expression of town pride.
Reflections from Chatham’s Captain
Reece Butler, the captain of Chatham Town, echoed Hake’s sentiments about the momentous occasion. Recalling the win against Tonbridge Angels, he described it as “like something out of a film.” After a long tenure at the club, he considers this moment one of the best he has experienced.
Historically, Chatham Town’s best performance in the FA Cup occurred in the 1888-89 season, where they reached the quarter-finals before a significant defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Their current achievement marks a new chapter in the club’s history and a source of pride for the community.
